Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Real Estate Solutions
Founded in 1968, Real Estate Associates has established itself as a premier real estate firm serving Durham, the Research Triangle Park area, and beyond. Our leadership, including Chairman Joe Jernigan and President Seth Jernigan, brings decades of combined experience and a deep-rooted commitment to integrity and local expertise. We specialize in commercial property management, commercial brokerage, and residential property management, focusing exclusively on services that align with our core competencies. Our teams longevitymany members with decades of tenureensures clients benefit from institutional knowledge and a personalized approach. We prioritize long-term relationships over short-term transactions, advocating for clients with honesty and transparency.As a locally founded firm, we understand the Triangles unique market dynamics, from zoning regulations to historical property trends. Our collaborative, responsive, and value-oriented approach has driven our growth from a two-person operation to a team of over 50 professionals. Clients like Duke University and Thunderworks/Thundershirt trust us for our market insight, operational excellence, and dedication to client satisfaction. We measure success through sustained partnerships and the ability to adapt to evolving real estate challenges. For over half a century, Real Estate Associates has been synonymous with principled, passionate, and results-driven real estate solutions.
Services
Commercial Brokerage
Residential Property Management
HOA Management
Investment Sales
Land Brokerage
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of experience in Triangle real estate markets.
- Our team provides unmatched local market knowledge and institutional expertise.
- We specialize in tailored commercial and residential property management solutions.
- We prioritize long-term relationships over short-term transactions.
- Our responsive, cross-trained staff ensures 24/7 client support.
What people say
Professional and knowledgeable team
No one knows the market better
Responsive and cross-trained staff
Long-term relationships over transactions
Expertise in property management
Services
Commercial Brokerage
We represent clients in buying, selling, and leasing all commercial property types, including retail, office, industrial, and multi-family assets. Our team leverages decades of Triangle market expertise to negotiate optimal terms. Clients benefit from our role as trusted advisors, advocates, and long-term partners focused on strategic real estate solutions.
Residential Property Management
We manage single-family and multi-family residential properties, handling tenant relations, maintenance, and financial reporting. Our services include marketing, applicant screening, and turnover coordination. Owners gain peace of mind through specialized oversight at every stage of the rental process.
HOA Management
We provide comprehensive Home Owner Association management, including financial oversight, vendor coordination, and compliance with community regulations. Our team ensures smooth operations for managed communities through proactive communication and tailored administrative support.
Investment Sales
We facilitate commercial investment property transactions, offering market analysis and valuation insights. Our brokers specialize in connecting buyers with high-potential assets while maximizing returns for sellers in the Triangle's dynamic real estate market.
Land Brokerage
We handle vacant land transactions for development, investment, or conservation purposes. Our team provides site analysis, zoning insights, and market positioning strategies to optimize land value for buyers and sellers across the Triangle region.
People
Joe Jernigan
Chairman of the Board
As co-founder and former president, Joe Jernigan established Real Estate Associates in 1968. He transitioned to Chairman in 2018, continuing to guide strategic direction with his deep market knowledge and commitment to ethical practices.
Seth Jernigan
President
Seth Jernigan became President in 2018, leading daily operations while maintaining the company's founding principles. With decades of Triangle real estate experience, he focuses on client relationships and innovative property solutions.
Questions
What real estate services does REA offer?
We provide commercial brokerage, residential property management, HOA management, investment sales, and land brokerage services in the Triangle region.
How does REA differ from other real estate firms?
We combine 50+ years of local expertise with a focus on core services, long-term relationships, and a collaborative approach tailored to client goals.
What areas does REA serve?
We specialize in Durham, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas within North Carolina's Triangle region.
What property types does REA manage?
We manage single-family homes, multi-family complexes, HOAs, retail, office, industrial, and land properties.
Does REA handle investment property transactions?
Yes, we facilitate commercial investment sales and acquisitions, leveraging our market insights to maximize client returns.
Reviews (4)
Dianne Williams
Apr 13, 2022
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I want to say a huge thank you to Adrian who did not hesitate to help me today. I love living at Georgetown for the sense of community, beautiful grounds and REA's commitment of making the residents feel our apartments feel like a home. Thank you Adrian
Bill Aulicino
Dec 19, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value There may be some better associates employed by REA but I had the misfortune of dealing with the worst. He was unmotivated, dishonest, oily, and greedy. You'd be wise to do business elsewhere.
Brittany Weber
Jan 27, 2021
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DO NOT RENT FROM THIS PLACE. They are terrible communicators. Avoid working with Tiffany Ivy at all cost; she is the least helpful person you could ever imagine trying to work with. This company will steal your money and clearly do not care about their customers or doing what is right. I'm not sure how this company gets away with what they do, but stay away! I wish I would have read reviews prior to signing a lease with them, as plenty others have had the same terrible experience unfortunately.
Zan
Jan 05, 2021
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Worst rental company in history. Absolutely the worse, do not rent from them. I moved out over a month ago still no word on my deposit and my account is still showing I owe them rent which I don't. Not only did they remove and throw away items out of my home before my lease was up, they haven't given me my deposit yet? They move slow and they're horrible at communicating. They act like they can't answer questions to save their life, it's sad really.
